Beer Review: Brewdog Paradox Smokehead – An imperial stout matured in islay whisky casks

1
Aug0

Was that a hint of sock I tasted?

Type of beer: Imperial Stout
Wallet Thinning Factor: $16
Warm and Fuzzy Factor: 10%
Size: 330mL

I guess I should list off a few of the caveats that might affect my review of this beer.

1. Beer guy and I just moved to Dallas, Texas. Some might not consider this to be the beer/coffee/good food/nice people capitol of the world… And they would be correct.

2. Smoke beers and I haven’t really found our common ground.

3. Whisky and I haven’t really found our common ground. I think that is a losing battle.

4. Only after opening the beer and trying it, did I read the website which kindly points out that this beer is better with aging.

Other than that, this is just a plain, ol’ beer review.

The first thing to notice about this beer is the price. That is right, we paid $16 friggin’ dollars for 330mL of beer. The second thing to notice about this beer is the brewing company. Brewdog is known, and wants to be known, for making unique and non-mainstream beers. They achieved that lofty goal with this beer. The brewers also nicely made sure to tell people that this beer should be served at room temperature, unless you “live in an igloo.”

When I poured it, it was still a little cooler than room temperature. At first smell, all I could think of was Liquid Smoke. Beer guy thought about cleaning supplies. With the first taste, the first words were “smokey old socks.” Beer guy made a frown-y face and said that it had a “funny aftertaste.”

I can’t really taste any whisky notes, but I am guessing that the barrels added to the smokey flavor of the beer. Islay whisky is known for having a smokey taste because of the peat. A reasonable conclusion is that some of the smokey flavor is from being aged in the barrels.

As the beer has warmed up, it is starting to taste more like a stout and less like old socks. The smokey flavor is mellowing out. I could definitely see how this beer would taste better as it ages over the years in the bottle. Unfortunately, I just didn’t realize that it should age before I got my grubby paws on it and a glass.

Good: A great beer for someone with a specific hankering for a smoked beer.
Bad: Not for people who lack patience or that don’t like non-mainstream beers.

Overall: